Qualifying Conditions Hub

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis & CBD in Texas

In recent years, a growing volume of disciplined medical research has emerged regarding the use of medical cannabis as a treatment method for conditions allowed under the Texas Compassionate Use Program: Epilepsy and other seizure disorders, autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis and spasticity, cancer and palliative care, and neurodegenerative diseases.

This research, coupled with an increasing volume of positive results, has led to expanded interest among patients and growing receptivity among physicians for the use of medical cannabis as a part of their prescription regimes.

Explore the tabs below, broken out by legally-approved conditions for the state of Texas. Within each condition, you will be able to browse a variety of current research and clinical trials.

Our CBD Product Formulations

Most clinical studies on medical cannabis are focused on formulations or ratios of the cannabinoids CBD and THC. For the medical conditions approved by the state of Texas Compassionate Use Program, two primary medicine formulations are appropriate:

HIGH-CBD FORMULATION

BALANCED FORMULATION

It is important to note that different ratios of CBD:THC have been used to treat different symptoms and conditions (see chart).

Get to Know Qualifying Conditions & Related Studies

In the case of epilepsy, new medications are desperately needed as 30%–40% of people with epilepsy do not respond to traditional medication regimens. There is also a great deal of concern from patients and their families about the long-term effects of chronic anti-epilepsy drug use.

Fortunately, multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials indicate both the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis for the treatment of epilepsy.

Epilepsy Symptoms | Recommended Formulations

SEIZURES | High-CBD Formulation

ANXIETY | High-CBD Formulation

Seizure Management Resources

Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome | Read More

Recent studies indicate there is expanding acceptance of cannabis within the MS community. While there are many uncertainties about the overall effects associated with cannabis use in patients with MS, research shows cannabis strains, containing CBD levels equal or higher than THC, have had positive effects on muscle spasticity and pain. The effects of cannabis, and its safety, have been reviewedby the American Academy of Neurology in a practice guideline.

Multiple Sclerosis & Spasticity Symptoms | Recommended Formulations

ANXIETY | High-CBD Formulation

PAIN | Balanced Formulation

MUSCLE SPASM | Balanced Formulation

Clinical Trial Results

Multiple Sclerosis and Extract of Cannabis: results of the MUSEC trial | Read More

Access to medical cannabis use for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms was preceded by treatment of epilepsy symptoms. Research showed the initial use by patients with epilepsy had improvement in anxiety, aggression, panic, tantrums, and self-injurious behaviors. This caused parents of children with ASD to seek out cannabis treatment in hopes of achieving the same results.

Autism Symptoms | Recommended Formulations

DEPRESSION | High-CBD Formulation

SEIZURES | High-CBD Formulation

RESTLESSNESS | High-CBD Formulation

AGGRESSION & DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR | High-CBD Formulation

INSOMNIA | Balanced Formulation

TICS | Balanced Formulation

Human-Based Clinical Trial Results

Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities | Read More

Cannabidiol Based Medical Cannabis in Children with Autism- a Retrospective Feasibility Study | Read More

Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy | Read More

​Ethical Implications for Providers Regarding Cannabis Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders​ | Read More

There is an increased interest in the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms in cancer and palliative care patients, including pain, loss of appetite, anxiety, insomnia and nausea. In 2016, The American Society of Clinical Oncology published guidelines to help cancer survivors manage chronic pain. These recommendations included the use of medical cannabis and cannabinoid-based medicines.

Some studies indicate use of medical cannabis slows the progress of neurodegeneration. Medical cannabis may improve the quality of life for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms by improving appetite and sleep, while decreasing pain and spasticity.

ALS Symptoms | Recommended Formulations

APPETITE LOSS | High-CBD Formulation & Balanced Formulation

PAIN | Balanced Formulation

SPASTICITY | Balanced Formulation

Clinical Trial Results

Survey of cannabis use in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | Read More

Other Articles of Interest

Cannabis and ALS: Hypothetical and Practical Applications, and a Call for Clinical Trials | Read More

Can cannabinoids be a potential therapeutic tool in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? | Read More

Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders | Read More

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. Approximately 36M people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, a number estimated to triple by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease often leads to death within 3 to 9 years. Pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system is emerging as a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that may respond positively to medical cannabis treatments include sleep problems, paranoia, anxiety, dysphoria, pain, poor appetite, and weight loss. In late stage Alzheimer’s, cannabis may improveappetite, sleep issues, and diminish agitation.

Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms | Recommended Formulations

APPETITE LOSS | Balanced Formulation

AGITATION/BEHAVIORAL CHANGES | High-CBD Formulation

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT/CONFUSION | High-CBD Formulation

INSOMNIA/SLEEP ISSUES | Balanced Formulation

MEMORY LOSS| Balanced Formulation

PAIN| Balanced Formulation

Clinical Trial Results

Effects of dronabinol on anorexia and disturbedbehavior in patients with Alzheimer’s disease | Read More

Delta–9-tetrahydrocannabinol for nighttimeagitation in severedementia | Read More

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving the nigrostriatal motor circuits of the basal ganglia. Average age of diagnosis is around 60, but most patients have already lost more than half of the dopaminergic neurons in the affected circuitry at diagnosis. Cardinal symptoms of PD include resting tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. Associated symptoms can include depression, anxiety, hallucinations, sleep disorders, and late-stage dementia. All current therapies for PD are symptomatic, and are fraught with detrimental side effects in the form of treatment-associated dyskinesias that limit benefit. Meanwhile, the search for a neuroprotective therapy continues, seeking a treatment that might prevent or slow progression. Extensive preclinical studies in animal models of PD provide evidence that modulation of the endocannabinoid system may impact these various aspects of PD, as summarized by Concannon et al. Cannabinoid receptors are present in high density in the basal ganglia tissues involved in PD. Multiple studies in animal models have demonstrated symptom relief, amelioration of treatment-induced dyskinesias, and suggest a role in neuroprotection with various cannabinoid therapies.

Evidence from human clinical trials remains limited to early trials, mostly observational with small volumes of patients. Self-reported outcomes have often included favorable reports of efficacy, while a very limited number of controlled trials have not reproduced those findings. Babayeva et al provides an excellent summary of multiple small PD studies of mobility, dyskinesia amelioration, and associated symptoms including pain, anxiety, sleep and depression. Some studies have yielded conflicting results, and more research is necessary to clarify the specific benefits of medical cannabis for PD to allow more comprehensive future evaluation of best practices for treatment.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms | Recommended Formulations

BRADYKINESIA

DYSKINESIA

INSOMNIA/SLEEP ISSUES | Balanced Formulation

MUSCLE SPASMS | Balanced Formulation

PAIN| Balanced Formulation

RIGIDITY

TREMORS | Balanced Formulation

Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies

Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory double-blind trial | Read More

Effective December 5th, 2019, as part of an expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Act, “Incurable Neurodegenerative Diseases” are a defined category including dozens of new qualifying conditions. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS), has published the list of incurable neurodegenerative diseases that now qualify for low-THC medical cannabis prescriptions.

Dr. Keough’s CBD Results

The positive impact of CBD on certain conditions such as epilepsy are well documented. Based on our own results we’re seeing a wide range of impacts. Here are empirical results from Dr. Karen Keough, as of 1/22/2019*. These are based on 113 patients between 2 and 10 month treatment periods.

Other Reported Benefits

Increased alertness

Increased speech

Developmental gains

Less rescue medication

Better sleep

Decreased anxiety

Decreased behavior issues

Marked improvements in cognition

Increased appetite

Happier demeanor

Calming effect

Decrease in GI issues

Very Low Side Effects Reported

Somnolence

Sleepiness

Diarrhea

GI upset

Dr. Karen Keough, M.D. is a Board Certified Child Neurologist and Epileptologist with fellowship training in Neurophysiology, who specializes in treating intractable epilepsy at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin. Keough is also the Chief Medical Officer for Compassionate Cultivation.

Contact Us

For any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with us at the form.